There has been much written recently about the supposed need for a third tier championship in Australian Rugby. Overwhelmingly the consensus has been that in order to stay competitive as a rugby power, a third tier competition similar to New Zealand’s ITM Cup and South Africa’s Currie Cup is a vital undertaking. However, before proceeding, it must be ensured that the appropriate frameworks are in place to foster a successful and financially viable competition.

A new consortium has acquired the licence to operate the Auckland Blues Super rugby franchise until 2020.

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) in conjunction with their Super Rugby franchise the Queensland Reds have signed a sponsorship deal with Australian travel management company QBT, which will see QBT become the corporate travel partner for QRU and the Reds.

Will Genia, the Wallabies halfback, has agreed to a personal endorsement deal with Caribbean mobile phone network Digicel which will see him become a brand ambassador of the Papa New Guinea (PNG) arm of the network.

The Lions are coming. With these four words comes the promise of a cash injection the ARU coffers have not seen in quite some time. Building off the resounding success of the last tour in 2001, the ARU is filled with great optimism for an improved financial standing as they move toward the 2015 World Cup.